CT for additive manufacturing

Micro-focus CT enables non-destructive evaluation of defects and flaws in metal AM parts with high accuracy and detail. Manufacturers have integrated industrial computed tomography in the additive manufacturing process to assess complex internal structures. This helps to maximize the potential of AM and reliably produce components and assemblies with the utmost confidence.

The breakthrough of additive manufacturing (originally 3D printing) came in mainstream commercial/consumer products, but since then the technology has evolved significantly and now important sectors including the automotive, aerospace and medical industries have discovered the many varied benefits of additive manufacturing. In these industries, where safety and integrity of components is life-critical, companies adopt Computed Tomography as the peerless quality assurance tool. When there is no room for error, CT provides a non-destructive insight into complex internal shapes and features. CT doesn’t only offer evaluation of defects and flaws in prototypes or final products, but it also delivers comprehensive evaluation of powder quality and residue blocking channels. The tool is now the go-to QA system for manufacturers.

Additive Manufacturing challenges:

To manufacture components with a reduced weight, without compromising strength, quality and safety

To produce defect free components in life-critical applications

To identify voids, inclusions and channel blockages

To measure internal shapes and features

Benefits of Nikon CT:

Better insight into the inside of AM components

Faster optimization of AM prototyping production parameters and processes

Micron-level quality control for higher confidence in incoming and outgoing parts

Reduced costs by avoiding destructive testing

Ready for process automation

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To find out more about how CT is a powerful partner in the 3D printing revolution, read the blog posts below. These articles include links to research papers written by CT and additive manufacturing experts.